The most common cause of a bitter mouth or a metallic taste during pregnancy is changes in hormonal levels, especially estrogen, which is related to the sensation of taste. However, in some cases, this symptom may be related to the side effects of folic acid supplementation.
Furthermore, other factors can cause a bitter mouth during pregnancy, such as gingivitis, gastroesophageal reflux, decompensated diabetes, medication use, liver disease or even infections, such as sinusitis or tonsillitis, for example.
The bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy can be alleviated with some measures such as chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a lemon popsicle, for example. However, you should always consult your obstetrician to assess the cause of the bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, and thus, if necessary, recommend the best treatment.
Main causes
The main causes of bitter mouth during pregnancy are:
1. Hormonal changes
The most common cause of a bitter mouth or a metallic taste during pregnancy is the change in hormonal levels, especially estrogen, which is related to the sensation of taste, and can also affect the sense of smell, since these senses are interconnected.
This symptom is very common during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and disappears throughout the pregnancy.
What to do: Hormonal changes are normal during pregnancy and are not a cause for concern. To alleviate the bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, you can have a lemon popsicle, eat crackers throughout the day, drink citrus fruit juices and brush your teeth frequently, for example.
2. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that occurs due to normal hormonal changes and increased blood volume in the body, which can cause a bitter taste in the mouth, increased sensitivity of the gums, which can even bleed when brushing your teeth or flossing.
What to do: You should use a soft toothbrush and continue brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. Furthermore, it is recommended to consult your dentist to assess the health of your mouth and teeth, as untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, resulting in inflammation, infection or destruction of the tissue that supports the tooth, and causing complications. , such as premature birth, for example. See how gingivitis is treated during pregnancy.
3. Folic acid supplement
Folic acid supplementation is indicated to prevent defects in the closure of the fetal neural tube, and reduce the risk of congenital malformations, such as spina bifida, myelomeningocele, anencephaly or cleft palate, for example.
However, in some cases, folic acid supplementation can cause a bitter taste in the mouth as side effects.
What to do: you can chew gum or suck on candy, preferably without sugar or drink citrus fruit juice, for example. It is important not to stop taking folic acid and continue taking it throughout pregnancy, as advised by the obstetrician, in addition to having regular prenatal consultations. Understand the importance of folic acid in pregnancy.
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4. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is more common after the 24th week of pregnancy, as the growing uterus can press the stomach upwards, causing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, which can cause a bitter taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
In addition, other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are stomach pain, heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach, excess gas, and, in some cases, an itchy throat and a scratchy sensation in the throat.
What to do: eating in small amounts at intervals of less than 2 to 3 hours, avoiding fried foods, spicy or highly seasoned foods and eating large meals can help alleviate this discomfort. Furthermore, in some cases, the obstetrician may recommend antacid medications, such as milk of magnesia, for example, and it is important that the woman only uses medications if recommended by the doctor. See how reflux is treated during pregnancy.
5. Use of medicines
Some medicines, such as antibiotics, medicines for gout or heart disease, can cause a bitter mouth during pregnancy, as when they are ingested, they are absorbed by the body and released in the saliva, leading to a change in taste, leaving the mouth bitter.
What to do: It is important not to interrupt treatment with medications recommended by the obstetrician, and to have regular medical follow-up. Typically, the bitter taste disappears after a few minutes of taking the medicines. However, the obstetrician can reevaluate the treatment if the bitter taste is constant, and if necessary, recommend another medicine that does not cause this side effect.
6. Decompensated diabetes
Uncontrolled or decompensated diabetes can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth or bad breath with a smell similar to rotten apples.
This happens due to diabetic ketoacidosis, and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a feeling of intense thirst and dry mouth, intense tiredness and weakness or mental confusion.
Decompensated diabetes during pregnancy can affect the baby’s development and increase the risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or premature birth, for example. See the main risks of diabetes during pregnancy.
What to do: Treatment should be carried out according to the obstetrician’s instructions, as this will help control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic ketoacidosis. Furthermore, if symptoms of ketoacidosis are detected, it is important that the pregnant woman goes to the hospital or emergency room immediately to avoid complications. Know how to identify diabetic ketoacidosis.
7. Liver diseases
Some liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or fatty liver, can leave a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth, similar to fish or onion, due to high amounts of ammonia in the blood, which is normally transformed into urea by the liver and eliminated in the urine. .
What to do: Liver problems are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or excessive tiredness. Therefore, if liver disease is suspected, a hepatologist should be consulted to carry out blood tests and confirm the diagnosis, starting treatment if necessary. Understand the signs that may indicate liver problems.
8. Infections
Some bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis or sinusitis, can leave the mouth with a bitter taste, due to substances produced by the bacteria in these types of infections or the presence of pus in the throat or sinuses.
In addition, virus infections, such as the flu or colds, can also leave a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
What to do: Gargling with warm salt water is excellent for helping to remove pus from the throat in cases of bacterial infections. Furthermore, nasal washing with saline helps to fluidize nasal secretions, favoring their removal, being a great option against sinusitis, flu and colds. In all cases, it is important to consult an obstetrician, who may recommend the use of antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection, depending on the type of infection. See other causes of bitter mouth.
